Diversion Programs for Miami Juvenile Offenders

Diversion Programs for Miami Juvenile Offenders

The juvenile justice system in Miami-Dade County offers several diversion programs aimed at providing alternatives to formal prosecution and incarceration for youth offenders. These programs provide counseling, education, community service, and other resources to help young people avoid further involvement in the justice system.

Diversion programs are typically offered to first-time, non-violent offenders as an alternative to traditional prosecution. The goal is to address the root causes of their behavior and set them on a better path rather than simply punish them. This approach recognizes that many youth get involved in crime due to circumstances like trauma, poverty, lack of opportunity, mental health issues, and substance abuse. With the right interventions, they can get back on track and become productive members of society.

Key Diversion Programs in Miami-Dade

Here are some of the main diversion initiatives available to youth offenders in Miami:

• Pre-Trial Diversion (PTD) – This program, run by the State Attorney’s Office, offers non-violent offenders with limited priors a chance to avoid prosecution. Participants must complete requirements like counseling, community service, fines, etc. If completed, charges are dropped. Monitored by The Advocate Program or Court Options.
• Post-Arrest Diversion (PAD) – Based at the Juvenile Assessment Center, this program diverts first-time arrestees. Includes screening, assessments, case plans, referrals, case management. Goal is to address risks and needs.
• Juvenile Alternative Sanctions – Low-risk youth can enter this community-based program instead of formal processing. Includes sanctions like restitution and counseling.
• Teen Court – First offenders can have their peers hear the case and assign sanctions like essays, apologies, community service.
• Girls’ Court – Specialized court for girls aged 12-17. Focuses on trauma, abuse, mental health issues. Avoids detention.
• Civil Citation – Law enforcement can issue this instead of arrest for misdemeanors. Requires community service and/or intervention classes.
• Back on Track – Diversion for first-time DUI offenders. Reduces charges upon completion of program focused on treatment and safe driving.

How Diversion Programs Work

There are a few common models for how diversion programs function in Miami and nationwide:

• Pre-Arrest Diversion – Youth are connected to community resources instead of being arrested. Often involves a warning and agreement to participate in services.
• Post-Arrest Diversion – The State Attorney’s Office determines eligibility after arrest. Youth agree to complete program requirements in exchange for avoided prosecution.
• Teen/Peer Court – Offenders have a trial by peers who assign sanctions. Completion results in charges being dropped.
• Specialized Courts – Courts like Girls’ Court and Drug Court focus on specific populations and issues. Use team approaches and monitoring.

Eligibility and requirements vary across programs but often focus on first-time, non-violent offenders. Programs utilize screening and assessments to identify risks, needs and optimal interventions for each youth. Case management and progress monitoring help keep participants on track. Compliance and remaining arrest-free usually results in avoided prosecution.

Effectiveness of Diversion

Research indicates well-designed diversion programs can reduce recidivism and improve youth outcomes. According to one Florida Department of Juvenile Justice study, youth in diversion had lower 12-month recidivism rates than similar youth formally processed. Diversion also yields cost savings due to reduced admissions into detention and commitment programs.

However, program quality matters. Diversion programs should properly assess risks and needs, connect youth to evidence-based services, and monitor progress. Strong partnerships with community resources are essential. Well-trained staff are also key. One issue that has been raised with Miami’s diversion programs is the need for ongoing staff training to ensure quality and consistency.

Expanding Diversion in Miami

While Miami’s diversion programs serve hundreds of youth annually, stakeholders agree there are opportunities to expand. The Miami-Dade Juvenile Services Department notes the need to increase diversion participation for misdemeanor crimes and technical violations of probation. The State Attorney’s Office also plans to enhance diversion programming.

Specific goals include:

• Increasing use of pre-arrest diversion
• Expanding civil citation eligibility
• Using new screening and assessment tools to better identify needs
• Strengthening case management
• Engaging more girls, minorities and specialized populations
• Building capacity of community-based services
• Enhancing collaboration across systems

While diversion has demonstrated benefits, it is not a panacea. Youth with serious or repeat offenses may require formal intervention. There are also risks of “net-widening” where youth who previously would have been warned or released are now funneled into programming. Diversion should focus on youth who would have otherwise been detained or committed.

Key Partners in Diversion

No single agency can run an effective diversion program. Key partners include:

• State Attorney’s Office – Decides eligibility and referral to programs like PTD.
• Public Defender’s Office – Advocates for diversion options appropriate for the youth.
• Department of Juvenile Justice – Makes recommendations on diversion versus formal processing.
• Judges – Have final say on diversion program mandates.
• Law Enforcement – Can refer youth to diversion pre-arrest, issue civil citations.
• Community Based Organizations – Provide services like counseling, mentoring, job training that are core to diversion.
• School District – Helps identify youth in need and provides services/supports.
• Advocate Program – Leads case management, classes, monitoring for PTD and probation cases.
• Juvenile Services Department – Manages intake, assessment, placements, probation, monitoring.
• Parents/Guardians – Participate in programs, provide supervision, and support progress.

Close collaboration enables diversion programs to effectively assess and address the needs of each youth. Ongoing communication also ensures youth are held accountable and don’t slip through the cracks.

Conclusion

Diversion programs are a critical tool for reducing youth incarceration and recidivism in Miami’s juvenile justice system. These interventions address the unique needs of each offender while providing support to get them on the right track. Diversion fosters a more rehabilitative, health-focused approach to youth crime. While not appropriate for every case, quality diversion programs help give young people a second chance to become responsible, law-abiding members of the community.